An international cosmopolitan resort visited annually by thousands of tourists from all corners of the Earth By food journalist Dimitris Stathopoulos.
An international cosmopolitan resort visited annually by thousands of tourists from all corners of the Earth. Agios Nikolaos is located in the northern part of the island, specifically on the western side of Mirabello Bay. It's built on seven hills and features one of the most unique geological phenomena: the famous lake.
Essentially, it's a landmark that serves as a reference point for a city living and breathing around this uniquely beautiful natural attraction. It's Lake Voulismeni, as its full name goes, with which dozens of legends are connected, making it even more magical than it already is. One legend even has Athena and Artemis bathing in its waters. The connection to the sea occurs through a narrow passage opened in 1870, while it's surrounded by red vertical rocks that intensify the image and make it even more unique.
Two urban myths are also connected to the lake. One states it has no bottom, and another that it somehow connects to Santorini's volcano. Obviously neither is true, yet both theories reveal how important the lake is to area residents.
In antiquity, the Agios Nikolaos area was inhabited and its name was Kamara. During Venetian rule, it had a castle known as Mirabello Castle, but the settlement was deserted during Ottoman times, only to begin being inhabited again in the 19th century. This modern settlement was created with the Revolution of 1866 by residents of Fourni, Kritsa, Heraklion, and Sfakia. It was the Venetian fortress ruins that were used for building new structures. It owes its name to a Byzantine chapel located in the city's bay. The main pillar of the city's economy is tourism, with the Lasithi region being the pioneer of tourism development across Crete. Additionally, olive cultivation is a significant element of the economy.
Among the sights one can distinguish in the city is certainly the view toward the lake from the park with tamarisk trees, as well as the path that gradually takes you down to its level, next to the fishing boats. On the other side of the city, it's worth walking along the marina and, depending on the season, catching sailing race events. Various statues are scattered throughout the city, like "The Abduction of Europa," located on the harbor jetty, designed by director Nikos Koundouros and crafted by sculptors Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriadis.
Another element making the city special worth seeing are the stairs decorated by ASKT and the Lasithi Prefecture Architects Association, providing access to all city points. Also, Kitroplateia is a key point from which a pedestrian street leads to the marina. Its name comes from citron trade, as from this beach and because of its depth, commercial boats could load even before the city had a harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Greek food unique?
Greek cuisine is built on simplicity and quality ingredients. What makes it distinctive is regional variety — every island and mountain village has its own flavors, often unchanged for centuries.
